What happened. Pep Guardiola declined the Italy head coach position after three days of meetings with FIGC officials Paolo Maldini and Leonardo in Barcelona.

FIGC was willing to adjust budget to hire Guardiola.
Italy failed to qualify for third consecutive World Cup.
Alternative candidates include Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.

“No plans for [coaching] for a while. I need to step back.”
— Pep Guardiola

Guardiola is a free agent after leaving Manchester City and plans to take a break from football.

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